Return of the Crown

by Millie Burns

  Zelera stalked down the steps to the dungeons. She had just been to her makeshift incubator. The dragon’s egg still hadn’t hatched. Small sounds emanated from beneath the shell. It would be soon.

  She stopped in front of the harpy’s cell. Jedro’s feathers were dull, his eyes lacked luster. Each day he grew more gaunt. “Are you not eating my friend? I need you strong,” she crooned, pushing his tray at him. He didn’t look up. “Eat, or I will make you eat. Either way, I win. I always win,” she cooed.

  Jedro pushed the tray away with effort, lifting his head to face Zelera unflinching.

  “Have it your way, chick,” she screamed. She snagged Dark threads that made up her aura, weaving them into a compulsion spell. She thrust the spell onto his forlorn form. A malicious grin snaked across her crimson lips.

  Jedro felt his hand reaching for the tray. He struggled to sit on his hands. He flapped his wings, trying to knock the tray over. Pain erupted in his head, searing a path along every nerve in his body. He cried out in anguish. His hand reached for the squirming red earthworms sliding over each other on the tray before him. “Nooooo,” he screamed. But, his hand grabbed a mass of rubbery worms and crammed them into his mouth.

  Betrayed by his own body, Jedro stuffed the worms into his mouth, swallowing them whole. He wanted to retch, but the spell wouldn’t allow it. He kicked away the empty tray.

  “Not very appetizing, but full of protein, and they cost me nothing” she laughed, strolling away from his cell.

  Zelera made a last stop, at her dungeon forge. The imprisoned elves refused to make weapons, but she’d compel them as well, if need be. She savored the Darkness flowing through her veins, oozing from every pore.

  She peeked through the barred window. Eight elves sat in the cell, arms folded across their chests. The forge sat cold and quiet, and the ore lay in a neat pile. Laughing, Zelera strode into their cell, “Do you think you can refuse me?” she screeched. Fire burst to life in the forge, flames licked up the wood, devouring every splinter. Her gaze lingered on each elf sitting defiant and proud. She tossed her dark head back allowing the maniacal laughter to spill across each rebellious form. Snarled threads of Darkness streamed around each one, black cords binding them to her will.

  The eight figures rose stiff in their actions. They fought their own limbs, arms and legs jerking spasmodically. Cries of pain echoed through the dark cell, bouncing off the thick walls.

  “The pain increases every time you fight the task set before you. You will find that the pain only goes away when you are making my weapons, and when this ore runs out you’ll be crying for more material to work with.” She turned to exit the cell and sneered, “Pray I deliver it in a timely fashion.” She slammed the door behind her clicking the lock in place.

  She stormed toward the kitchens. It felt as though a dull knife carved away at her insides. The compulsion spells required so much Darkness. She had to dig deeper and deeper to find the strength to keep the Darkness in control. Stinking elves. Food was necessary to fuel the Darkness, but she hated eating these days. Everything tasted charred and stale.

  Chapter 17

  Sniffing out danger, the wolves raced ahead of the horses. No other Dark forms appeared along their way, and soon the evergreens gave way to the deciduous trees below. Dry colorful leaves crunched beneath horses’ hooves, attesting to autumn’s end.

  The ground leveled as the sun was setting. “It’s not much further,” Captain Greves called over his shoulder at Ravyn and Blade, as he urged his horse into a run.

  “Aye, I smell many humans ahead,” Kialgyn agreed. “You folks sure are a smelly lot.”

  Ravyn grinned at Kialgyn, loping easily beside her horse. She dug her heels into the horse’s side, urging it faster. “We’ll try not to muddle up your sense of smell,” she teased. She turned to Blade who was slapping his horse’s sweaty flank, urging it on, “I can’t help but get excited over a warm bed, a hot bath, and more of those delicious honey cakes. Even if it’s only for one night.”

  Blade smiled. “You deserve some comfort, Ravyn. This will all be over soon, and then you can be happy and comfortable forever.”

  Ravyn looked thoughtful. “We can hope.”

  “Not hope, Rav, faith. Faith in the Light.” He spurred his horse harder, nosing ahead of her and taking the lead.

  The trees thinned, and the smell of wood smoke and cook fires greeted them. Golden fields opened up on their left, and the woods still clung to their right. They passed little farms in a blur, pushing their horses onward with urgency.

  The wolves slowed and then halted. The riders reined in the horses, stopping short behind them. “My kin and I will stick to the woods. We don’t want to alarm the town folk,” Kialgyn huffed.

  “Don’t be silly, you’re our escort, and you can communicate with anyone now. Besides, I would really like to see about getting light-weight armor made for you, since you are determined to join the battle.” Ravyn set her lips in a stern line.

  “Well, we really don’t have much use for humans, present company excepted. We’ll keep to the woods behind the inn and come when you call.” Kialgyn stared hard into Ravyn’s eyes until she averted her gaze.

  “Very well,” Ravyn acquiesced. “Get some food and rest. The next few days will be very busy.”

  “The last few days have not been?” he chuckled, raising furry brows. He turned and the wolves slipped into the woods disappearing into the undergrowth. The horses trotted the remaining mile to Farrier.

  As they entered the town square, cries rang through the village heralding their arrival. People thronged the edges of the lane. A multitude of faces peered at her, smiling as their Princess reemerged from her long exile. The cheering that erupted as she came into view deafened her. People were falling to their knees as she passed. Tears lined careworn faces now filled with hope.

  Ravyn had seen so few people for so many years, and now she was in a little town filled to overflowing with people. Her people. She smiled and waved a nervous hand. Captain Greves stopped at the inn, dismounting.

  Ravyn slid off the back of her horse and looked over the sea of heads for the inn door. Panic began to swell inside. Blade reached for her hand, giving a small squeeze of assurance. He was her safe harbor in a sea of boisterous people. She squeezed his hand back and gave him a thankful smile.

  Connor stepped out onto the wide porch of the inn and the crowd hushed. “My good people,” his voice rang, “our dear Princess has rejoined us after so many years of exile.” A wild cheer went up. Connor smiled at the crowd and then held up a hand for silence. The people quieted, though their excitement was still palpable. “She has traveled long and hard to reach us. There is much information she and I need to share. I ask you to return to your homes, and camps. There is much to prepare for her return to Veris.” The crowd groaned as one, like little children denied a sweet. Connor waved his hands, and a calm reassurance swept the crowd. Ravyn watched the people, her people, as they turned and went to their homes and shops.

  Connor swept down the steps offering Ravyn his arm. “My dear,” he soothed, “I know that was a bit overwhelming. They needed to see you, to aid their faith for the days to come.” He smiled and patted her hand. “Now that the inn has been cleared, would you like to come in for a bath and a nice hot meal?”

  With Blade on one arm and Connor on the other, Ravyn felt more secure than she had in weeks. “A bath would be wonderful, and a change of clothes, if some can be found.”

  “More of those honey cakes Captain Greves shared with us would be wonderful too,” Blade added. “Ravyn has an unsatisfied sweet tooth. Captain Greves gave her a cake, but she shared it with me.”

  “I’m sure that can be arranged, Blade. Are you sure it’s her sweet tooth that’s unsatisfied?” Connor grinned at the young man.

  As they entered The Dancing Bear, Jolene appeared before them, curtseying low. Her blonde curls ringed her delicate face. “Your highness, I have a bath drawn for you, and one f
or you as well, Captain Blade.” She batted her thick lashes at Blade. Ravyn felt her insides churning. She wanted to slap Jolene’s rosy little cheeks.

  “Jolene,” Connor interrupted, “there are fresh clothes for these two in my room. See to it they are ready for them after they are done bathing.”

  “Yes, m’ lord,” she replied.

  Jolene turned and led them down the hall to two rooms, each with a large tub filled with warm water. “I’ll return with your garments in a moment,” she said as she turned and scurried back down the hall, and up the stairs.

  “I’m not sure I’ll recognize the cleaned up Ravyn,” Blade joked as he leaned against the doorjamb of his room.

  “I’m not sure I’ll recognize you,” she teased back. “I believe there’s a man somewhere beneath all that grit.” She leaned over and rubbed her hand across his bristly cheek, “You are going to shave that scruff off your face aren’t you?”

  “What, this?” Blade laughed, running his fingers through the tawny beard that had grown thick during their travels. “I thought it made me rather distinguished.” He scrunched his face up in an aristocratic sneer.

  “You could do with a haircut as well,” she giggled. Jolene bustled up with their fresh clothes over her arm.

  “I could cut that for you, Captain, if you’d like,” Jolene offered with sugary sweetness.

  Ravyn stiffened and clenched her jaw, steely eyes gazing hard at Jolene. Blade took his clothes from Jolene’s arm and said, “My thanks to you, kind lady, for the offer, but I think it fitting that the one that it offends should cut it.” He smiled at Ravyn, “If you’ll do the honors.”

  Ravyn relaxed, feeling ashamed. She shrugged and looked into his beautiful green eyes, “No, I believe you’d get a nicer cut from Jolene. I’m afraid I’d have you bald, trying to even things out. Now, I think I’ll enjoy my bath while it’s still warm.” She took her clothes from Jolene and entered her room.

  “M’ lady,” Jolene put her hand to the door before it closed, “might I be of assistance? I’d be honored if you’d let me wash your hair. We could talk. It’s been so long since I’ve had a woman my own age to talk with.”

  The heart-felt words touched Ravyn and though she felt embarrassed at having an attendant, she nodded in agreement. Ravyn stripped off her travel-stained clothes and stepped into the porcelain tub. Jolene looked at the filthy blouse and trousers that Ravyn handed her. She gasped, “You poor thing, how long since you’ve had a nice warm bath?”

  Ravyn paused, thinking back to sponge baths in the wolves’ den and the cool pool in the forest. “Far too long, Jolene, far too long.”

  She slipped into the warm water, letting it caress her skin. She luxuriated in the lightly scented suds. Jolene handed her a soft cloth and a fragrant bar of soap. She rubbed the soft cloth over her arms and legs, soothing away her tension and fears, if only for a moment.

  “If you’ll scoot down a bit, I’ll wash your hair for you,” Jolene offered. Firm but gentle hands began massaging Ravyn’s scalp, untangling the mass of dark black hair. Ravyn moaned softly in pleasure.

  “I have some violet water we can splash in your hair, if the scent pleases you. Captain Blade won’t be able to resist you.”

  Ravyn shifted uncomfortably sloshing the water to and fro, “Why would you say that? We’re friends,” she stammered, “we’ve been through a lot in our travels, and…”

  Jolene interrupted before she could finish, “Captain Blade is handsome, m’ lady, and I’m sorry if I upset you by flirting with him. There have been very few attractive men through here in the past few years, so I find myself flirting with them all. It’s a lonely world.” She tipped Ravyn’s head back and poured warm water over her hair, rinsing out the soap. “But, he only has eyes for you, m’lady. That is plain to see.”

  Ravyn sat up, turning to face Jolene, splashing water out onto the floor. “Do you think so, Jolene? I’ve been away from people for so long. I just thought these feelings I have for him were friendship, and he the same for me.” Ravyn lowered her eyes, “I admit I didn’t like the way you looked at him. I wanted to slap you. I’m sorry. I guess that was jealousy.”

  Jolene laughed, “No need to be sorry. And yes, I think he loves you. I wish a man would look at me like that someday.” She sighed and poured another pitcher of clean warm water over Ravyn’s head. “I’ve heard that relationships that start as friendship are the strongest ones and that nothing can tear them apart.” She sprinkled the violet water on Ravyn’s dark locks and across her shoulders. She placed a towel on a chair and said, “I’ll let you soak for a bit, relax. I’ll see if the Captain is ready for his hair cut.”

  Ravyn closed her eyes, sinking into the warm water. Jolene slipped out the door, and Ravyn heard the latch snick into place. After the water had cooled and her fingers and toes had turned into prunes, Ravyn climbed out of the tub. She inspected the garments hanging over the chair. There was a blue silk blouse and deep indigo breeches. A pair of soft leather boots sat beside the stool. She was glad it wasn’t a dress and slippers. Everything fit perfectly, and she looked at the woman staring at her from the mirror. Long black locks cascaded over strong proud shoulders, and deep blue eyes flashed at her. She was pleased with her reflection but unsure she felt as strong as she looked.

  A light rap on the door interrupted her thoughts. “M’ lady,” she heard Blade’s voice carry through the door, “I’ve been informed a hearty supper is waiting and no one can eat until you get your lily white bum out of that water.”

  Ravyn swung the door open wide. The green eyes facing her consumed her in a single glance. Strong, handsome Blade stood before her. His chiseled features were visible once more now that the mountain man facial hair had been shaved away. Jolene had skill with scissors. His tawny hair was clipped short and neat. He looked sharp in the Captain’s uniform he wore.

  “Blade, you look so handsome,” she breathed.

  “And you are a vision of loveliness,” he said. “I was wrong, I do recognize you.”

  Offering her his arm, they strode down the hall to the main dining room. The aroma of the feast assaulted them. Their stomachs growled and rumbled in approval. The tables overflowed with roasts and vegetables, rolls and pitchers of foamy ale. The benches were crowded with men and a few women. Their clothing and demeanor made it clear they knew the art of war. These were her military leaders. This was the army of the Crown.

  Connor stood and silence followed. Beaming at Ravyn and Blade, he called, “Our guests of honor have arrived.”

  Mugs banged the tables, “Here, here,” the gathering shouted. Connor gestured to the space beside him. Blade and Ravyn sat side by side next to Connor and across from General Joff. Jolene placed a dainty goblet in front of Ravyn, “It’s a delicate wine, m’ lady, I didn’t think you’d care for the ale that these men guzzle.”

  “That was very thoughtful of you. Thank you, Jolene.”

  “And you Captain Blade, wine or a pint?”

  “I haven’t had a pint in ages; that sounds great,” he smiled at Ravyn who was already piling roast venison and vegetables on her plate.

  As the meal wound down, Connor pushed himself away from the table and stood again. “As you all know, the Autumn Equinox is two days away. It is crucial that we attack Zelera before its arrival.” Connor paused and his gray eyes misted with sorrow. A heavy sigh escaped his chest, and his shoulders sagged. “Zelera is waging a dark and dirty war. And there is something that you need to know about the army we go against. The creatures you come up against were once human; you may even recognize them as someone you once knew. It could be your friend, your brother, your son.”

  “My father would never give himself to the Darkness, Connor. He’d die first,” a young man cried, slamming his fists against the table.

  “Aye, many have died at her hands. She used their lives to fuel her castle’s defenses. But, we don’t know what kind of torment these men have undergone in her dungeons. That kind of stress over ti
me can break the strongest of men.”

  General Joff stepped up beside Connor. “Soldiers, I know what we are asking of you. Many of my friends and family could not leave Veris in time. They have been languishing in her dungeons for years. I know in my heart that I may cross swords with folks I once loved. Do not let that sway your determination,” his voice softened to near a whisper. “They are lost to us.”

  Connor scanned the somber group. Emotions warred on each and every face. “If you cannot fight with this knowledge, you may step down from your post. No one will think less of you.” He waited. For a moment the seated men and women looked at each other, panic dancing in their eyes. When no one stood to leave, every man and woman sat a little straighter with heads held high. “We fight for the return of the crown! We fight for the Light!” they chanted in unison.

  Connor placed a weathered hand on General Joff’s shoulder. Joff stood proud before his leaders, and a tear slipped down his craggy cheek. Connor cleared his throat, “Tomorrow we head to Brightling River and meet up with the other forces that will be joining us. Tomorrow night we camp outside Zelera’s walls. We wait for her to bring the fight to us. I don’t think she’ll make us wait long. I will be the magic against her magic. General Joff is the military brains here, and you will take your directions from him. At all costs, Ravyn must reach the walls Zelera has erected around the castle. She is the one who will ultimately win this battle. We are just buying her the time to do what she must. Now, I have much to go over with Ravyn. I leave you in the capable hands of General Joff.”

  Connor slipped away from the table making his way to the stairs. He motioned for Ravyn to follow him. Ravyn stood and started to follow, then turned to look back at Blade.

  “I need your help, Captain Blade. Will you join us also,” she stated.

  Blade looked to General Joff who nodded back. He stood, bowing to the man already beginning the battle plans. He followed Ravyn up the stairs to Connor’s small room.

  Connor handed Ravyn a glass and a decanter of wine. “Drink a glass of this; it will soothe your nerves.”